“He apparently sometime this morning found the snake and was walking around our downtown area with it, prompting several calls from concerned citizens,” Jacksonville Beach Police Sgt. Larry Smith said.

The homeless man told police he was familiar with how to properly handle snakes and was not bitten or injured in any way.

“Sounded like he may have been doing a little show and tell down there with the snake,” Smith said.

Police received at least three complaints about the man carrying the snake, including from a City employee who was able flag down officers.

They caught up with him near the Best Western Hotel.

Well, meanwhile in Jacksonville Beach this morning.... 6, 7, or 8 feet? I'm not getting the tape measure out. Thank you to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for relocating our guest. pic.twitter.com/79L6w5ok5p